1) click the inquire button below, sending names, package choice and preferred dates, if known. We should be back to you within several hours.

2) we schedule a brief call. Because it is such an intimate experience, we like to get to know you to ensure it’s a mutually good fit. This is also a great time to answer other questions you might have.

3) in the meantime, explore our recommended photographers or one of your own

4) we discern mutually workable dates, making sure they work with your chosen photographer

5) you pay a non-refundable $300 deposit. This locks in the days for you.

6) within several days we will email you an elopement packet to fill out and return

7) pay final invoice around check-in

8) relax and enjoy

Because we are primarily a personal retreat, every aspect of the experience is geared toward quiet, rest, and connection. You will be our only guests during your elopement. This exclusivity creates a magical antidote to the usual weariness and distance between bride and groom throughout the typical wedding.

We handle ALL the details so your elopement is virtually stress-free. (If you invite family, this isn’t guaranteed:) After several rounds of initial paperwork before you arrive, details are set and all you have to do is arrive and enjoy. The hardest decision that faces couples on the wedding day is “Who will get the first massage?” We create a custom itinerary with you and act as your coordinator on the day of so you can completely be in the moment with your partner.

We love photography and want you to have the most amazing photo experience. Whether you choose one of our recommended photographers or bring your own, we are with you and your photographer every step of the way to get you in the most stunning locations at Desert Harbor and make sure you are ready when your photo time starts and ends.

We are owners not employees. Your experience is our reputation. We are personally invested in your elopement experience exceeding every expectation.

Oh, and we hear the food is pretty good too…

This depends on every couple. If ideal weather is of greatest concern, we recommend April/May in the spring and September/October in the fall. Spring tends to be windier, but not hot. Early fall is perfect, with mildly warm days and crisp mornings.

Not exactly. We have pulled off elopements in the coldest of winter and hottest of summer. Life circumstances sometimes dictate a date in summer or winter. We make the best of it but ask you to embrace the season and try to dress seasonally so the weather isn’t a distraction.

Any day but Saturday. 98% of weddings in general are scheduled on Saturday, and because we make every effort to work with the absolute best vendors in New Mexico, we try to avoid scheduling a ceremony on a Saturday. However, you will need to procure your wedding license before your ceremony, and as the country clerk in only open M-F, a Sunday or Monday ceremony might be difficult unless you live locally or come several days ahead to enjoy the Land of Enchantment

Absolutely. If they are new to shooting at Desert Harbor, we necessarily are more involved in helping them come to know the property so photography and the ceremony happen seamlessly.
We live locally.

Not a problem. We welcome this if you are able, but it is by no means necessary. Also, you may or may not be able to see the casita if there are current guests when you visit.

Yes, we allow up to 20 guests to attend. There is an extra charge of $500 if guests attend. (Total, not per person).

Desert Harbor from an experience standpoint is designed for a couple, not a group. We often encourage couples to consider purchasing a photo/video package that can be shown at a reception party after the deed is done. This allows family and friends to celebrate with you, not be limited in the number who can be invited, feel like they were there, but give you the privacy you would really prefer for the experience itself.
We have heard by report that even the most disgruntled family members (for not being able to attend), after seeing the video, get it – how the experience is way more intimate when the couple gets to experience it, just themselves.

We offer a central great room, with a bathroom and outdoor courtyard to receive your guests and provide space for cake cutting and champagne toast. While this is comfortable and workable it doesn’t feel like enough. Your family/friends might travel great distances, spend a lot, and yet have very little time with you. They come before the ceremony, witness, usually enjoy some cake/champagne, then leave. We do not offer a sit-down meal option, which most traveling guests expect. From experience, most couples who at first seem fine with the situation as described, in the end, wish it was more.

Also, because we are an off-grid retreat, the main guest landing space is not air-conditioned, so we try to discourage summer elopements with guests even more. Hot guests, despite their best efforts to take it for the team, are not happy guests…

The most beautiful ceremony locations require a steep but short walk. “Steep” is literal and we don’t recommend it for non-able-bodied visitors, or visitors over 65 who are not in great shape. BUT, if you are still determined, and understand the above, we are happy to receive your dearest and welcome them as our own.

The main difference is the time factor of the extra day. The 3 day is just more spacious, more retreat-like. With the 3 day, we usually schedule the ceremony on the middle day, so the first day is about landing, settling in, relaxing, then the ceremony day to focus, then the last day to unwind and process.

Our landscape is an austere high desert wonderland, but you will be walking over dirt, stickers, tumbleweeds and cacti. Flats, sandals or anything low is an invitation for discomfort. Consider boots, then changing into heels or sandals for the ceremony itself.
The wedding dress will take on the character of the landscape, so we hope you either are okay with this added “texture” or choose a dress that is shorter.

YES! Bring Fido. Why shouldn’t you pup have a retreat and join you? There is an extra $50 fee for cleaning.

Raymond Linam, co-owner and director of Desert Harbor. Raymond has officiated nearly 100 ceremonies at Desert Harbor and beyond and is passionate about creating a meaningful ceremony experience for couples.

Definitely! Sometimes having a personal connection to your officiant can greatly enhance the experience. This is by no means necessary though, and less than 5% of couples invite their own.